Best Metal Detector

How Metal Detectors Work

​A straightforward clarification of metal detectors.Discover how metal detectors work

​VLF Metal DetectorVery low frequency (VLF), also known as induction balance, is probably the most popular detector technology in use today. In a VLF metal detector, there are two distinct coils:Transmitter coil - This is the outer coil loop. Within it is a coil of wire. Electricity is sent along this wire, first in one direction and then in the other, thousands of times each second. The number of times that the current's direction switches each second establishes the frequency of the unit.Receiver coil - This inner coil loop contains another coil of wire. This wire acts as an antenna to pick up and amplify frequencies coming from target objects in the ground.The current moving through the transmitter coil creates an electromagnetic field, which is like what happens in an electric motor. The polarity of the magnetic field is perpendicular to the coil of wire. Each time the current changes direction, the polarity of the magnetic field changes. This means that if the coil of wire is parallel to the ground, the magnetic field is constantly pushing down into the ground and then pulling back out of it.

Pi Metal DetectorA less common form of metal detector is based on pulse induction (PI). Unlike VLF, PI systems may use a single coil as both transmitter and receiver, or they may have two or even three coils working together. This technology sends powerful, short bursts (pulses) of current through a coil of wire. Each pulse generates a brief magnetic field. When the pulse ends, the magnetic field reverses polarity and collapses very suddenly, resulting in a sharp electrical spike. This spike lasts a few microseconds (millionths of a second) and causes another current to run through the coil. This current is called the reflected pulse and is extremely short, lasting only about 30 microseconds. Another pulse is then sent and the process repeats. A typical PI-based metal detector sends about 100 pulses per second, but the number can vary greatly based on the manufacturer and model, ranging from a couple of dozen pulses per second to over a thousand.If the metal detector is over a metal object, the pulse creates an opposite magnetic field in the object. When the pulse's magnetic field collapses, causing the reflected pulse, the magnetic field of the object makes it take longer for the reflected pulse to completely disappear. This process works something like echoes: If you yell in a room with only a few hard surfaces, you probably hear only a very brief echo, or you may not hear one at all; but if you yell in a room with a lot of hard surfaces, the echo lasts longer. In a PI metal detector, the magnetic fields from target objects add their "echo" to the reflected pulse, making it last a fraction longer than it would without them.

What is the best metal detector.The best metal detector is the one that fits your budget. Usually for general coin hunting in beaches and parks. A machine with an ID meter will make your metal detecting easier.

How deep can they go?Depending on the size of the object, what it is made of, and the length of time it has been in the ground. Usually from 6-8" on average. And can go 12-16" on larger items. You will find that 99% of your finds will be in the top 4" of soil. Even items from the 1800's era.

Why the different price ranges on machines?As machines increase in price so do the options. Higher priced machines offer, Target Imaging which tells you the size of the item before you dig. They do generally have more detecting power and better discrimination of trash targets. They will ID your targets more accurately.

Will they pick up all metals?They will pick up all metals or whatever metal you want it to see. Some metals share the same electronic signature, so picking up one type of metal may also open the machine to other types of metals.

What is Notch Control?Notch Control is the ability to set the metal detector to ignore certain metals. It can be made to ignore say nails and wire but still pick up coins and jewellery.

Should I use headphones?Headphones will extend the battery life in your machine. It will also aid you in hearing the different sounds of the types of metal items your machine detects.

Where can I go metal detecting?Parks, beaches, churches, school yards. Most public areas. Just be sure that it is allowed before you start to dig. If you're unsure, ask.

What does the meter show you?ID meters will show you the type of object under the coil. The better machines will break this down to show a single penny, nickel, dime, pull tab etc. Some machines will group the targets such as coins, trash, iron etc.

How much do they weigh?Generally about 2 lbs. Which is a weight anyone young or old can easily swing. There are machines built for more professional metal detecting that can weigh up to 4 lbs.

What type's of sound do they make?Today's metal detectors have what is known as Tone ID. The machines can be set so that good targets like coins will give off a high tone, and trash like pull tabs will give off a low tone. This makes deciding what to dig very easy and learning the machine can be done quickly

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